Botox, or Botulin toxin A, can give us a wrinkle-free brow -- but now new research shows it might also help those who are suffering with painful backaches. So far, the study conducted by scientists at Seoul National University, have only tested the treatment on rats.
But this isnt the first time Botox has been put to use in a relieving muscle pain and stiffness. In fact, last year the Food and Drug Administration gave its approval on Botox use for the treatment of elbow, wrist and finger spasticity which is a condition that can occur as a result of spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries. It can also effect patients who have multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.
The researchers found that just a single Botox injection in the spinal canal resulted in a significant reduction in pain. The animals that got the injection showed many fewer pain behaviors. The results peaked at ten days and decreased after fourteen days.
Currently, besides making us look more youthful, Botox is used to treat chronic migraine headaches, uncontrollable blinking, excessive underarm sweating and other disorders that involved repeated muscle twitching.
Robin Westen is ThirdAges medical reporter. Check for her daily updates. She is the author of Relationship Repair
See what others have to say about this story or leave a comment of your own.
